2016 Clonal Selection Syrah
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah is a blend of around eight parcels, all individually micro-vinified and matured with varying levels of new oak, from zero up to 70%. Limpid in the glass, it has a glorious, pure bouquet of red currant, raspberry and mulberry scents that are seductive and very Burgundian – think Vosne-Romanée! The palate is rounded on the entry, offering lively red berry fruit laced with white pepper, fennel and a subtle charcoal note. There is a slight grittiness toward the finish, which is well structured and persistent. This is both a delicious and an intellectual Syrah.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Tim Jackson MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
On the nose, the 2016 Clonal Selection Elgin Syrah is softly floral with a mineral tone and subtle hints of black fruit plus nuances of black pepper. The palate shows tremendous complexity with skillfully balanced oak tones over blackberries, fresh herbs and fresh cracked black pepper. The finish is elegantly focused and something special. Power and elegance at its finest. This is akin to something from the northern Rhône without the tight mineral grip. Well done! A truly beautiful wine. 9,300 bottles were made.
Some stems exceptionally in this hotter vintage. Spicy ripe dark-red fruit with a lovely peppery touch. What seems like oak sweetness on the palate. Lightly chewy, the fruit sweetness in balance with the freshness. (JH)
Clones 9c, 22 and 99. Three-day pre-ferment maceration. Indigenous-yeast fermentation. Maturation in 45% new French oak. Mid-deep ruby. Toasted bacon fat, spice and a slightly baked edge to the blackberry fruit. On the palate, bright acidity, quite full body, firm grainy tannins and a baked red-fruit flavour. Decent length, toasty, bacon-fat finish. Not quite the finesse of his Chardonnays. (TJ)